At Abbey Gates we are committed to the promotion of fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We believe that through embedding the promotion of fundamental British Values at the heart of our varied and rich curriculum, we are able to foster life-long qualities and skills in our pupils, ensuring that our children leave Abbey Gates as well-rounded, good citizens who will enrich society. 

We actively promote British Values.

Focusing on and showing how the school’s work is effective in securing these values

Democracy – what do we do?

• Class/whole school voting for the election of the Pupil Parliament at the start of the year;
• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services;
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process;
• Taught through assemblies and our school curriculum;
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school;
• Help pupils to express their views;
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.

Rule of law – what do we do?

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear, fair and appropriate;
• As a school, we follow an ‘ABC’ approach – ‘All Behaviour has Consequences
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong;
• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made;
• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals;
• Explore within our RSHE lesson, laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these;
• Promote the Rights Respecting School Articles (on policies, around school, in assemblies etc);
• Refer to the Equality Act 2010.
• Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service.
• Bike-ability lessons enable children to understand the rules of the road and the potential dangers encountered should they break those rules.
• Neighbourhood Watch workshops explore how we can stay safe in our community and how to be respectful within it.
• During Religious Education lessons, rules for particular faiths are thought about and shared.
• Year 6 complete the DAaRT programme (Drugs, Alcohol and Resilience Training).

Individual liberty – what do we do?

• Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence;
• Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights;
• Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
• Challenge stereotypes;
• Implement a strong anti-bullying culture;
• E-Safety units of work are taught throughout school and parents and staff receive training on these.
• Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, such as in our ‘Talking Points’ RSHE lessons and Sticky Question discussions. We use these resources across the whole school, which also links to our assemblies.
• Children at Abbey Gates are encouraged to make choices knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment.

Mutual Respect and tolerance of different cultures and religions– what do we do?

• Be a ‘No Outsiders’ school: promote respect for individual differences and to actively challenge stereotypes. All children, staff and parents should feel that they belong;
• Use Picture News and No Outsiders assemblies to explore critical news events;
• Explore positive role models (where possible) through our lessons who reflect the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act;
• Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour;
• Each academic year, classes from Foundation to year 6, complete AREP lessons (Anti-Racism Education Programme);
• Organise visits to places of worship;
• Our RE curriculum ensures that our children have a good understanding of a range of religious beliefs and customs;
• Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life;